Wrongful Death Lawyer Phoenix AZ
Ride Safely, Wear a Helmet
Motorcycle-related deaths in the U.S. have increased by 55% since 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In, 2010 motorcycle crashes killed 4,502 people. In Phoenix, there were 596 collisions involving motorcycles in 2016, which resulted in 495 injuries and 21 deaths. Preventing debilitating injuries and deaths from motorcycle crashes is an ongoing public health concern. A wrongful death lawyer Phoenix AZ can investigate fault and applicable insurance policies.
Motorcycle crashes also create a huge economic burden to society by consuming public funds for emergency response, emergency room costs, and insurance premiums.
Distracted, or drunk driving or excessive speed by other drivers can cause crashes. A.R.S. §28-101 provides that a person shall not drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances, that a person shall control the speed of a vehicle as necessary to avoid colliding with any object or person. A driver must exercise reasonable care for the protection of others.
A wrongful death lawyer Phoenix AZ can advise a victim regarding the settlement and litigation process.
Lack of helmet use is largely attributed to some of the biggest costs associated with motorcycle crashes. For example:
- Unhelmeted motorcycle riders injured in a crash and admitted to hospitals face substantially higher healthcare costs than do helmeted riders.
- Unhelmeted motorcycle riders are twice as likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries from crashes and require critical care resources
- Unhelmeted motorcycle riders are less likely to have health insurance and are therefore more likely to have their medical expenses paid by government-funded healthcare such as Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
With motorcycle ownership at an all-time high, motorcycle-related deaths and traumatic brain injuries are expected to remain at high levels unless effective protective measures are enacted. Helmets are proven to save lives, and the universal helmet law (one that covers all motorcycle riders) is demonstrated to be the best way to ensure helmet use. The single most effective way for states to save lives and save money is a universal helmet law.
The data is quite compelling.
- Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37%
- Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%
- Helmets do not reduce visibility or impair hearing, as certified by the Department of Transportation
Arizona does not have a universal helmet law. Instead, the state has a partial helmet law, which only requires specific groups of people, such as those below a certain age, to wear helmets. Research shows, however, that partial helmet laws do not motivate riders to wear helmets. Compliance is also low, as partial helmet laws are typically only enforced when a police officer has pulled a rider over for another infraction, such as speeding. In 2010, the CDC ranked Arizona number 21 in the country for lives saved by helmet use. If you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle crash, reach out to a wrongful death lawyer Phoenix AZ. Call Paul Englander, PLC today.
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